ISPCA appeal following dogs rescued from severe neglect
One of the rescued Cavachon dogs shown with severely matted hair. Credit: ISPCA
THE Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) has rescued five severely neglected Cavachon dogs from a property in Portlaoise following a coordinated operation with local Gardaí last week.
The rescue, which included three puppies, came after multiple failed attempts to access the property and followed concerns raised by a member of the public to the ISPCA’s National Animal Cruelty Helpline.
ISPCA Inspector Jimmy McCormack described disturbing conditions at the scene, with one dog so terrified and matted that it could barely move.
“It was a sad state of neglect,” McCormack said. “One of the dogs was so terrified that it took some time to catch him. He could hardly move due to the condition of his badly matted coat, and it was one the worst cases of neglect I have seen for a while.”
The inspector said the dog’s skin was irritated from the weight of its coat pulling on the skin, while the living conditions were “very grim, with rubbish strewn everywhere.” "The long-term neglect of this situation is something that will disturb me for a long time,” he added.
All five dogs are now in ISPCA care and have received much-needed grooming, which required sedation to prevent further suffering. The animal care team expects the dogs will be available for adoption in the coming months following extensive rehabilitation.
The rescue has prompted an urgent appeal from the ISPCA for public support through donations, fostering, or adoption to help care for the animals during their recovery.
“Every cent will count no matter how small or big, as we continue our animal care and rehabilitation work to give these dogs the second chance they deserve,” the organisation stated.
The public can report suspicions of animal neglect or abuse confidentially through the ISPCA website or by emailing helpline@ispca.ie.
Anyone interested in donating to support the ISPCA’s work can visit .
